CALIFORNIA AVOCADO ASSOCIATION 



49 



Sampling on the Sharpless began in April, but it would have been more 

 satisfactory to have begun earlier. The maximum fat content was reached in 

 May and other indications pointed to the fact that the fruit was commercially 

 mature the first month the sample was taken. The sampling was continued until 

 September, and at that time there had been little if any lowering of the fat content 

 or quality of the fruit. 



Again in the case of the Dickinson samples, the fruit was stolen from the 

 tree before the sampling was finished. The fat had increased 3% in the time 

 elapsing between the May and June samples. From other data, it would seem 

 that the fruit was mature at the time this sample was taken. 



Examination of the tables does not reveal any other changes during growth 

 that are nearly so uniform or marked as that of the fat. Probably the next most 

 striking change is in the sugar content. There is always less sugar in the mature 

 fruits than in the green. At best, of course, the fruits contain but little sugar, 

 so that the changes are less uniform than with the fat. 



With most of the varieties, there is also a slight increase in protein as the 

 fruit matures. This is of course more noticeable where the sampHng began early 

 in the season and continued until the fruit was fully matured. 



Moisture of course decreases as fat increases, and there is also a slight 

 rise in the proportion of edible matter as the fruits mature, the proportion of skin 

 and seed usually becoming smaller. 



Miscellaneous Samples 



Six miscellaneous samples have been examined since the last report was 

 made to the Association. Four of these were from seedling trees raised by 

 Mr. Oakley and are deserving of attention owing to the fact that they appar- 

 ently mature at a time when many of the other varieties are not available. With 

 the exception of No. 4, the fruits averaged close to a pound each, and with the 

 the exception of No. 2 contained a satisfactory amount of fat. Sample No. 1 

 was probably mature at the time of analysis in September, but the data on No. 2 

 would be in better shape if another sample had been taken a little later in the 

 season. The seed in No. 3 had started to sprout and the fat content of No. 4 

 would seem to indicate maturity. Nos. 1 , 3 and 4 are high in protein. The 

 per cent of edible matter in No. 3 was also higher than is usually found. 



Mr. Hoff of Hollywood also sent a seedling about 1 4 ounces in weight 

 and containing 18^% of fat with 2%% of protein. 



An analysis of one of the Department of Agriculture's Guatemalan impor- 

 tations grown by Mr. Sheddon of Monrovia is also shown in the miscellaneous 

 table. This variety is the Kanola, S. P. I. No. 43560. The fruit is small, 

 round in shape, weighing about 8 ounces, and having a very heavy skin. The 

 fat content is satisfactory but the fruit is decidedly deficient in protein. 



In closing, I might say that the Laboratory stands ready to assist with 

 analyses of new varieties, and it is suggested that its faciHties be used for the 

 study of their composition before they are made standard. It is especially 

 desired to secure samples of the Department of Agriculture importations for 

 analyses. Where new and promising varieties are to be sampled, it is preferable 

 to make an appointment so that some one from the laboratory can see the fruit 

 on the tree and take such notes as are necessary. 



